Cheap Linux Box with Expandable Drives

G

guest2013-1

guest
Joined
Aug 22, 2003
Messages
19,800
Reaction score
13
I think 1TB drive (maybe 2) would suffice for now, but I want to buy the cheapest (headless, doesn't have to have huge ram) as a small media/download center to run Sickbeard on and keep my collection on there to play through my Samsung TV.

Any idea how much a setup like that would cost? I'd like to add more drives the more data I get etc obviously (and easily)
 
HP Micro server +-R1700 you will need to buy hdd's though. lots of room for additional hdd's and easy to install.
 
Dumb question, do I need to have a powerful GPU when I'm just streaming it through my TV? (Samsung can stream over network/direct USB drive)
 
I am using a Nvidia 520 which fits the limited space in the micro server and it streams 1080 perfectly.
 
If you're just streaming it, you won't need a GPU - But if you are plugging the server directly to your tv ( HDMI/DVI/VGA ), then you're going to need something that can actually drive HD videos.
 
AcidRaZor said:
Dumb question, do I need to have a powerful GPU when I'm just streaming it through my TV? (Samsung can stream over network/direct USB drive)
Click to expand...

Depends on the software but your GPU should not be an issue. The ProLiant is beefy enough to handle streaming, just does not come with onboard sound and the only reason why you need to install an HDMI graphics card if your going to connect directly to your TV.

Rather up the RAM
 
cbrunsdonza said:
Depends on the software but your GPU should not be an issue. The ProLiant is beefy enough to handle streaming, just does not come with onboard sound and the only reason why you need to install an HDMI graphics card if your going to connect directly to your TV.

Rather up the RAM
Click to expand...

I don't agree, the ram is not as important as the GPU, the stock 2gig it comes with is fine, go for a GPu first and then upgrade the ram later.

You want to have HDMi output with sound rather than that low end GFX you get via the onboard without sound, if however you go that route, you need to get a USb Audio device, plus its extra cables and a plain shlep to sort out.
 
Uli said:
I don't agree, the ram is not as important as the GPU, the stock 2gig it comes with is fine, go for a GPu first and then upgrade the ram later.

You want to have HDMi output with sound rather than that low end GFX you get via the onboard without sound, if however you go that route, you need to get a USb Audio device, plus its extra cables and a plain shlep to sort out.
Click to expand...

Please explain? The OP is using it for streaming, or is the processing of the streamed video first handled by the GPU?
 
Microservers are available at Esquire for around R1199 excl VAT. MyBB members can get an esquire buying code.
 
Yea its going to be plugged into my TV via network or USB (most probably network) and my TV can stream / browse any file so no need for onboard sound or graphics, it just needs to see it on the network.

Okay I might buy this, hopefully I won't **** my budget (hold thumbs for a 13th cheque, lol)
 
AcidRaZor said:
Yea its going to be plugged into my TV via network or USB (most probably network) and my TV can stream / browse any file so no need for onboard sound or graphics, it just needs to see it on the network.

Okay I might buy this, hopefully I won't **** my budget (hold thumbs for a 13th cheque, lol)
Click to expand...

In that case you wont need a gpu at all.
 
its going to be a headless linux box anyway. need to get a UPS too. 1tb should keep me happy for now. Now to get a price for cheap
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X